ON DECK!
(UPCOMING EVENTS)
August 2nd CLUB MEETING ( former major leaguer Bob Stinson)
August 6th Game Watch- White Sox
August 29th Game watch - White Sox
September 6th - Club Meeting ( MLB player/scout)
September 24th Game Watch ( cardinals)
(UPCOMING EVENTS)
August 2nd CLUB MEETING ( former major leaguer Bob Stinson)
August 6th Game Watch- White Sox
August 29th Game watch - White Sox
September 6th - Club Meeting ( MLB player/scout)
September 24th Game Watch ( cardinals)
WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?
AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MEETING ALREADY?
Our August membership meeting is just around the corner. It will be held Monday, August 2nd at 6:00 at Colony Cottage Rec Center. All rec centers are back to pre COVID operation.
Our featured speaker is former major leaguer Bob "scrap iron" Stinson. Bob played 12 seasons as a catcher for 7 different teams. He mostly played during the 1970's and saw a taste of post season action during the 1976 season with Kansas City. He has many stories to relate to us about life in the big leagues.
As always, Jim Guleserian will present Lets Play Too with a few different twists. We will offer cash prizes through the 50/50 raffle and the Publix gift card drawing for the Red Word contest.
Advance registration is highly preferred with a $10 payment ahead of time.( $14 at the door).
Looking forward to seeing you there.
AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MEETING ALREADY?
Our August membership meeting is just around the corner. It will be held Monday, August 2nd at 6:00 at Colony Cottage Rec Center. All rec centers are back to pre COVID operation.
Our featured speaker is former major leaguer Bob "scrap iron" Stinson. Bob played 12 seasons as a catcher for 7 different teams. He mostly played during the 1970's and saw a taste of post season action during the 1976 season with Kansas City. He has many stories to relate to us about life in the big leagues.
As always, Jim Guleserian will present Lets Play Too with a few different twists. We will offer cash prizes through the 50/50 raffle and the Publix gift card drawing for the Red Word contest.
Advance registration is highly preferred with a $10 payment ahead of time.( $14 at the door).
Looking forward to seeing you there.
WATCH PARTY FUN FOR TWO CLUBS
by Dan Marx
Back in the 1930’s Ronald Reagan used to call Cubs games from a radio station (WHO) in Des Moines, Iowa. He was not actually at the game, but recreated it from a telegraph operator on a tiny slip of paper using Morse code.
by Dan Marx
Back in the 1930’s Ronald Reagan used to call Cubs games from a radio station (WHO) in Des Moines, Iowa. He was not actually at the game, but recreated it from a telegraph operator on a tiny slip of paper using Morse code.
Flash forward to 7/9/2021. Sixty fans from Cubs World and Cardinals Nation were transfixed looking at a bank of 15 giant tv monitors showing the Direct TV logos bouncing back and forth on the screen like a Pong game. The Villages was in the middle of a deluge, our monitors went blank, and all that we could do was to watch our IPhone screens to read the computer transcript of what was still a very close game in the 7th inning.
Not quite as primitive as during Reagan’s day, but it sure was fun ribbing the Cardinals fans as Kris Bryant cleared the bases with a 3 run double, and Patrick Wisdom swatted a 2 run homer to put the game out of reach.
Not quite as primitive as during Reagan’s day, but it sure was fun ribbing the Cardinals fans as Kris Bryant cleared the bases with a 3 run double, and Patrick Wisdom swatted a 2 run homer to put the game out of reach.
The 2 fan clubs had a lot of fun coexisting at Gator’s. We even witnessed an arm wrestling championship with our very own Jim Gulesarian losing to a 10 year old girl Cardinal fan. And best of all, to the delight of half of the crowd, we did beat the Cardinals 10-5.
THE BLEACHER BUM REPORT
by Gary Koca (guest correspondent)
State of the Cubs
As we have reached just past the halfway point of the 2021 baseball, we realize that the Chicago Cubs are not going to be in the playoffs this year. So let’s review this year and look ahead to 2021 and beyond.
What have we seen so far in 2021
The Cubs were mediocre at best in April, really good in May, and really bad in June and July. The surge in May can be traced to one of the best bullpens in baseball, decent starting pitching, and a resurgence in the offense for the first time in a long time. But June and July have made us understand a few things about this team:
1) They don’t score runs without hitting home runs. They are especially bad with runners in scoring position; And this is an issue that has plagued this team for the past three years. They have too many “home run or nothing guys; and 2) The starting pitching is mediocre, particularly with too many soft tossers – guys who can’t throw hard. Kyle Hendricks is very good, and Adbert Alzolay and Alec Mills are decent, but they need two new quality starters for the future. Jake Arrieta was a great pitcher for the Cubs in his day, but at 35, he is completely washed up. Let’s face it.
How About the Rest of 2021
Cub president Jed Hoyer has recently said that the Cubs are sellers rather than buyers for the rest of this year. I don’t believe this will a total three year “tanking” as in 2012 through 2014, because they still have some talent and will spend some money this offseason. But who will be gone?
Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, and Anthony Rizzo – all three are free agents and will likely be gone at the end of this season if not by the July 31 trade deadline. The problem is that no one is going to give the Cubs much for a two-month rental player, so they may not be as coveted as some of us think. Because of his versatility, Bryant might be the most likely to go this year. And all three could be gone before next season. Rizzo was “insulted” at the offer of $70 over five seasons during spring training, but baseball has changed: he may not get as much this offseason.
The players you would probably get the most for, because they have one more year of eligibility left before free agency, are Willson Contreras and Craig Kimbrel. I hate the idea of trading Contreras, because they don’t have another catcher who is capable of even being a backup catcher right now. I hate to see Kimbrel go, but he has returned to his hall of fame form this year and would bring the most in a trade. So I think he is likely to be traded. Joc Pederson will probably be traded because he is a home run hitter who does really well in the playoffs. A half-way decent starter like Zack Davies might also be a good trade candidate. I would love to see them trade Jason Heyward and Ian Happ, but let’s face it: nobody wants either of them. And I don’t really want to see Kyle Hendricks traded, because the Cubs have him under contract for three more years.
How About 2022 and Beyond
The Cubs are ranked in the bottom third in terms of their overall minor league system, but that does not mean the cupboard is bare. They have some possible future stars in left-handed starter Brailyn Marquez, who has hit 100 mph on the radar gun; centerfielder Brennan Davis; catcher Miguel Amaya; shortstop Ed Howard, a local Chicago product with lots of talent; and shortstop Cristian Hernandez, who will probably be switched to third base eventually. I don’t think you will see them in 2021, and 2022 might even be a stretch for a couple of them. And they have three relievers who throw over 95 mph and bear watching – Burl Carraway, Ben Leeper, and Eury Ramos; You might even see Leeper this season, as he is currently mowing batters down at AAA Iowa.
So in summary, 2021 is out as far as making the playoffs, 2022 and beyond will be a retooling period, but it will NOT be a complete tanking like 2012-2014. I am sure none of us want to see that again.
by Gary Koca (guest correspondent)
State of the Cubs
As we have reached just past the halfway point of the 2021 baseball, we realize that the Chicago Cubs are not going to be in the playoffs this year. So let’s review this year and look ahead to 2021 and beyond.
What have we seen so far in 2021
The Cubs were mediocre at best in April, really good in May, and really bad in June and July. The surge in May can be traced to one of the best bullpens in baseball, decent starting pitching, and a resurgence in the offense for the first time in a long time. But June and July have made us understand a few things about this team:
1) They don’t score runs without hitting home runs. They are especially bad with runners in scoring position; And this is an issue that has plagued this team for the past three years. They have too many “home run or nothing guys; and 2) The starting pitching is mediocre, particularly with too many soft tossers – guys who can’t throw hard. Kyle Hendricks is very good, and Adbert Alzolay and Alec Mills are decent, but they need two new quality starters for the future. Jake Arrieta was a great pitcher for the Cubs in his day, but at 35, he is completely washed up. Let’s face it.
How About the Rest of 2021
Cub president Jed Hoyer has recently said that the Cubs are sellers rather than buyers for the rest of this year. I don’t believe this will a total three year “tanking” as in 2012 through 2014, because they still have some talent and will spend some money this offseason. But who will be gone?
Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, and Anthony Rizzo – all three are free agents and will likely be gone at the end of this season if not by the July 31 trade deadline. The problem is that no one is going to give the Cubs much for a two-month rental player, so they may not be as coveted as some of us think. Because of his versatility, Bryant might be the most likely to go this year. And all three could be gone before next season. Rizzo was “insulted” at the offer of $70 over five seasons during spring training, but baseball has changed: he may not get as much this offseason.
The players you would probably get the most for, because they have one more year of eligibility left before free agency, are Willson Contreras and Craig Kimbrel. I hate the idea of trading Contreras, because they don’t have another catcher who is capable of even being a backup catcher right now. I hate to see Kimbrel go, but he has returned to his hall of fame form this year and would bring the most in a trade. So I think he is likely to be traded. Joc Pederson will probably be traded because he is a home run hitter who does really well in the playoffs. A half-way decent starter like Zack Davies might also be a good trade candidate. I would love to see them trade Jason Heyward and Ian Happ, but let’s face it: nobody wants either of them. And I don’t really want to see Kyle Hendricks traded, because the Cubs have him under contract for three more years.
How About 2022 and Beyond
The Cubs are ranked in the bottom third in terms of their overall minor league system, but that does not mean the cupboard is bare. They have some possible future stars in left-handed starter Brailyn Marquez, who has hit 100 mph on the radar gun; centerfielder Brennan Davis; catcher Miguel Amaya; shortstop Ed Howard, a local Chicago product with lots of talent; and shortstop Cristian Hernandez, who will probably be switched to third base eventually. I don’t think you will see them in 2021, and 2022 might even be a stretch for a couple of them. And they have three relievers who throw over 95 mph and bear watching – Burl Carraway, Ben Leeper, and Eury Ramos; You might even see Leeper this season, as he is currently mowing batters down at AAA Iowa.
So in summary, 2021 is out as far as making the playoffs, 2022 and beyond will be a retooling period, but it will NOT be a complete tanking like 2012-2014. I am sure none of us want to see that again.
I JUST DON'T GET IT!
by Dan Marx
One of the players on my fantasy team just got a day off Saturday (7/10). The manager thought he needed a breather because he had not had a day off in July. They’ve been giving him a day off every 10-12 days. What the heck is going on? Why a breather?
Aside from us missing key points on our fantasy team, what is the sense in this? Most players on a team ( other than pitchers and catchers.) end up “ playing” about 15 minutes a game. How much time does a right fielder spend picking up or catching the 6 or 7 balls that get hit to him during a game-Five minutes ?? And when any player comes up to bat 4 to 5 times a game, is he at bat for more than 10 minutes total? It seems like half of that time he readjusts his batting gloves.
Oh, and by the way, the good players get paid about $15 million a year. The really good players make a lot more than that. If I’m a fan that pays $60-70 for a seat to watch my team, I want to see all of the top players play every day. I’m sure it’s the player’s union that’s coddling the players. Or the team management that wants to protect their investment.
I remember as a kid playing baseball for hours until that 16 inch softball literally came apart at the seams. I didn’t need a breather, I couldn’t wait for the next day. Do you think Cal Ripken Jr. is just shaking his head?
What do you have to say?
by Dan Marx
One of the players on my fantasy team just got a day off Saturday (7/10). The manager thought he needed a breather because he had not had a day off in July. They’ve been giving him a day off every 10-12 days. What the heck is going on? Why a breather?
Aside from us missing key points on our fantasy team, what is the sense in this? Most players on a team ( other than pitchers and catchers.) end up “ playing” about 15 minutes a game. How much time does a right fielder spend picking up or catching the 6 or 7 balls that get hit to him during a game-Five minutes ?? And when any player comes up to bat 4 to 5 times a game, is he at bat for more than 10 minutes total? It seems like half of that time he readjusts his batting gloves.
Oh, and by the way, the good players get paid about $15 million a year. The really good players make a lot more than that. If I’m a fan that pays $60-70 for a seat to watch my team, I want to see all of the top players play every day. I’m sure it’s the player’s union that’s coddling the players. Or the team management that wants to protect their investment.
I remember as a kid playing baseball for hours until that 16 inch softball literally came apart at the seams. I didn’t need a breather, I couldn’t wait for the next day. Do you think Cal Ripken Jr. is just shaking his head?
What do you have to say?
THIS ONE'S FOR YOU DAD!
by Wayne Richards
Chicago born Bill Mcmahon , like all of us, is very concerned about the Cubs with their sudden downfall. Perhaps being an undergrad in psychology, he might be able to consul the team. After all Bill is a die-hard fan.
At age 8, his family moved to Carpentersville where Bill attended Crown high school. It was also his first exposure to the friendly confines. “I remember we parked the car and walked up steps to see the Ivy,” said Bill. “It was a great thrill!”
Bill has wonderful memories of visiting his grandmother. “She lived near Wrigley, “ he boasts. “This was during the days when the Cubs had longer home stands. So, I would visit grandma with a suitcase packed for two weeks. These were all day games and we were able to buy general admission tickets. I also remember that kids were allowed on the field after a game.” With the passage of time, Bill would eventually become a season pass holder.
Perhaps it is a combination of fate and good luck that McMahon was present at Wrigley for some very pivotal and important moments. “I was present in 1960 when Don Cardwell threw a no hitter,” he recalls. “In 1969, I attended the opener and saw Willie Smith’s walk-off home run. I was also there for Ernie’s 500th. I was in the left field bleachers.”
In 2016, Bill attended the 5th game of the series. But the final heart-throbbing game that led to total victory was enjoyed at home in Elgin with his wife Sue, whom he married in 1970. Bill recalls thinking that the Cubs would blow it. But his loving wife, who is not really a sports fan, Counseled him by saying, “HAVE SOME CONFIDENCE!”
The World Series win was quite an emotional experience, not just because of the curse-breaking historical moment, but for a very personal consideration. Said Bill, “My father had been deceased. He was a true die-hard Cubs Fan.” In his own special way, Bill recalls speaking to his father, just like many family members did with their loved ones after the win. This was an emotional moment in Bill's life.
Sue served as postmaster for at least 25 years in Wasco, Il. “The facility was actually a combination post office and grocery store, “ said Bill.
The Mcmahons are very proud of their two sons, Todd, who lives in Appleton, Wisconsin and Brian , located in Montgomery, Illinois.
Bill is also proud of many of his sixth grade students. Having graduated from Loyola with a masters degree in counseling and guidance he took an orientation tour at an Elgin used mental health facility seeking a position. But there was something different in store for Bill.
“The U 46 school district in Elgin was looking for men to teach,” Mcmahon explains. “This was an opportunity I decided to take advantage of and I’m happy I did.”
Another wonderful opportunity came to fruition thanks to Sue. “In 1996, we were visiting my sister in law in Libertyville,” remembers Bill. “The phone rang and I was informed that the call was for me. When I answered it was Randy Hundley informing me that my wife had paid for me to attend fantasy camp!” Said Randy to Bill, “You need to get in shape, so use the batting cages!”
It was Randy who actually started the fantasy camp program. “They assign you to two ex players,” said Bill. “They had Sox and Cardinal players.” But there is one moment Bill speaks of with great pride. “I got a hit off of Bob Gibson!” said he. “For those who are skeptical, there is a video.”
When asked how he heard about the Villages, Bill said, “We had a friend who was a snowbird who told us about this place. After coming down here for a three day visit we were sold on the place. This was seven years ago.”
Aside from being a proud member of Cubs World, Bill is into many other activities. “As you know we have 9 day weeks here, “ he proclaimed. Bill loves to play pickle ball, soft ball, corn hole, ride his bike and is a member of a BAD BOWLERS LEAGUE. Bill explained, “It’s designed so that you can knock down 9 pins for a strike.”
“There’s never a dull moment here, “ said Bill. As you can see, there has never been a dull moment in Bill Mcmahon’s life. His accomplishments speak for themselves.
But maybe Bill he can show Cubs World that video of his hit off Gibson at a membership meeting. That would be a real sweet spot!
by Wayne Richards
Chicago born Bill Mcmahon , like all of us, is very concerned about the Cubs with their sudden downfall. Perhaps being an undergrad in psychology, he might be able to consul the team. After all Bill is a die-hard fan.
At age 8, his family moved to Carpentersville where Bill attended Crown high school. It was also his first exposure to the friendly confines. “I remember we parked the car and walked up steps to see the Ivy,” said Bill. “It was a great thrill!”
Bill has wonderful memories of visiting his grandmother. “She lived near Wrigley, “ he boasts. “This was during the days when the Cubs had longer home stands. So, I would visit grandma with a suitcase packed for two weeks. These were all day games and we were able to buy general admission tickets. I also remember that kids were allowed on the field after a game.” With the passage of time, Bill would eventually become a season pass holder.
Perhaps it is a combination of fate and good luck that McMahon was present at Wrigley for some very pivotal and important moments. “I was present in 1960 when Don Cardwell threw a no hitter,” he recalls. “In 1969, I attended the opener and saw Willie Smith’s walk-off home run. I was also there for Ernie’s 500th. I was in the left field bleachers.”
In 2016, Bill attended the 5th game of the series. But the final heart-throbbing game that led to total victory was enjoyed at home in Elgin with his wife Sue, whom he married in 1970. Bill recalls thinking that the Cubs would blow it. But his loving wife, who is not really a sports fan, Counseled him by saying, “HAVE SOME CONFIDENCE!”
The World Series win was quite an emotional experience, not just because of the curse-breaking historical moment, but for a very personal consideration. Said Bill, “My father had been deceased. He was a true die-hard Cubs Fan.” In his own special way, Bill recalls speaking to his father, just like many family members did with their loved ones after the win. This was an emotional moment in Bill's life.
Sue served as postmaster for at least 25 years in Wasco, Il. “The facility was actually a combination post office and grocery store, “ said Bill.
The Mcmahons are very proud of their two sons, Todd, who lives in Appleton, Wisconsin and Brian , located in Montgomery, Illinois.
Bill is also proud of many of his sixth grade students. Having graduated from Loyola with a masters degree in counseling and guidance he took an orientation tour at an Elgin used mental health facility seeking a position. But there was something different in store for Bill.
“The U 46 school district in Elgin was looking for men to teach,” Mcmahon explains. “This was an opportunity I decided to take advantage of and I’m happy I did.”
Another wonderful opportunity came to fruition thanks to Sue. “In 1996, we were visiting my sister in law in Libertyville,” remembers Bill. “The phone rang and I was informed that the call was for me. When I answered it was Randy Hundley informing me that my wife had paid for me to attend fantasy camp!” Said Randy to Bill, “You need to get in shape, so use the batting cages!”
It was Randy who actually started the fantasy camp program. “They assign you to two ex players,” said Bill. “They had Sox and Cardinal players.” But there is one moment Bill speaks of with great pride. “I got a hit off of Bob Gibson!” said he. “For those who are skeptical, there is a video.”
When asked how he heard about the Villages, Bill said, “We had a friend who was a snowbird who told us about this place. After coming down here for a three day visit we were sold on the place. This was seven years ago.”
Aside from being a proud member of Cubs World, Bill is into many other activities. “As you know we have 9 day weeks here, “ he proclaimed. Bill loves to play pickle ball, soft ball, corn hole, ride his bike and is a member of a BAD BOWLERS LEAGUE. Bill explained, “It’s designed so that you can knock down 9 pins for a strike.”
“There’s never a dull moment here, “ said Bill. As you can see, there has never been a dull moment in Bill Mcmahon’s life. His accomplishments speak for themselves.
But maybe Bill he can show Cubs World that video of his hit off Gibson at a membership meeting. That would be a real sweet spot!
A QUESTION FOR CUBS WORLD MEMBERS...
It wasn't too long ago that Cubs fans were celebrating a combined "no hitter"! All of a sudden, the season has grown dark. What happened? How can this all be fixed?
We would like to hear your opinion. Please don't be shy and tell us what's on your mind. (No profanity please.)
Getting things off one's chest is good for the soul.
It wasn't too long ago that Cubs fans were celebrating a combined "no hitter"! All of a sudden, the season has grown dark. What happened? How can this all be fixed?
We would like to hear your opinion. Please don't be shy and tell us what's on your mind. (No profanity please.)
Getting things off one's chest is good for the soul.
DON'T LET HIS GLARE FOOL YA
Andrew Chafin, the pitcher who seems to have arrived from nowhere and has captured much attention, definitely has a serious look on the mound. But looks can definitely be deceiving.
Here is an opportunity to hear Chafin mic'd up...torturing people with his jokes. Come listen to the real ANDREW CHAFIN.
CLICK HERE
Andrew Chafin, the pitcher who seems to have arrived from nowhere and has captured much attention, definitely has a serious look on the mound. But looks can definitely be deceiving.
Here is an opportunity to hear Chafin mic'd up...torturing people with his jokes. Come listen to the real ANDREW CHAFIN.
CLICK HERE
As we close out this edition of Cubs World Chatter, we'd like to thank our contributing guest correspondent, Gary Koca. He is the author of many fine books you might be interested in reading.
Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s
More Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s
Memorable Supporting Actors and Actresses from the 1930s to 1950s - Book 1 and 2
100 Favorite Classic Hollywood Films from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s
Good Guys, Bad Guys, and Sidekicks in Western Movies between the 1930s and 1960s
Great Chicago Cub Baseball Players Since 1876
Speaking of books, CUBS WORLD has the largest collection of Cubs and baseball related literature in our library, which is set up on display at every membership meeting. Members are free to check them out and enjoy.
GO CUBBIES!
Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s
More Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s
Memorable Supporting Actors and Actresses from the 1930s to 1950s - Book 1 and 2
100 Favorite Classic Hollywood Films from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s
Good Guys, Bad Guys, and Sidekicks in Western Movies between the 1930s and 1960s
Great Chicago Cub Baseball Players Since 1876
Speaking of books, CUBS WORLD has the largest collection of Cubs and baseball related literature in our library, which is set up on display at every membership meeting. Members are free to check them out and enjoy.
GO CUBBIES!